FORMAT OF RESEARCH PROPOSAL The complete research proposal must be submitted in the following prescribed format constituting on the mentioned parts: A. Abstract of the research proposal (in 300 words) B. The detailed research proposal (in 3000 words), an indicative outline for the detailed research proposal is given below: 1. Topic: The research proposal should have a clear, meaningful and confirmed topic reflecting the scope of the investigation. 2. Introduction: The research proposal should begin by clearly stating the research problem to be investigated in the light of its theoretical and/or empirical context in the relevant area. 3. Objectives of the Study: The general aim of the study as well its specific objectives should be clearly stated in the proposal. 4. Research Questions or Hypotheses: Given the conceptual framework and the specification of dimension, the specific questions to be answered through the proposed research should be sharply formulated. In case of an explanatory research design, specification of variables and positing of relationship among them through specific hypotheses must form a part of the research proposal. 5. Review of Literature: (National and International) The proposal should summarize the current status of research in the area and major findings, including the researcher's own work in the area. Existing empirical findings may also be discussed. The overview should clearly demonstrate the relevance as well as inadequacy of existing findings or approaches and provide a rationale for the proposed study. 6. Research Methodology: The researcher must describe in detail (a) the scope and coverage of her/his study; and (b) approach and methodology with adequate justification. Emphasis should be given to bringing out innovativeness in approach proposed to be followed. The details of the methodology may include research design, data to be collected and empirical and analytical methods to be used. The description of the methodology must be clearly linked to the aims of the research and the research questions/hypotheses of the study. 7. Relevance and Expected Outcomes: The proposal should include a statement on the relevance of the study and the anticipated outcomes. It should bring out the significance of the research problem, the contribution which the proposed study is expected to make to theory and methodology as well as its practical importance to society and policy making. It should also describe the proposed outputs from the study (Books, research papers, occasional papers with themes, etc.) 8. Tentative Chapterisation: Detailed Chapterisation should be clearly spelt out in the research proposal 9. Bibliography: Bibliography should be prepared in Chicago Manual Style. A) Notes on the Study Implications of research (in 500 words each): (i) How will the study contribute to the existing body of knowledge in area of research? (ii) What are the expected implications of the study for policy planning and future researches in the area? B) A note on the present stage of doctoral work (in 100 words each): (a) What is the expected duration of the work and what is its stage at the time of submission of application? (b) The work that remains to accomplished in the remaining period of the Ph.D. and their time- wise milestones